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Unit outline_

PHYS5031: Ecological Econ and Sustainable Analysis

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study introduces contemporary topics from Ecological Economics and Sustainability Analysis, such as metrics for measuring sustainability; planetary boundaries and other natural limits; comparisons between ecological and environmental economics; valuing the environment; intergenerational discounting; global inequality with a focus on the climate change debate; and links between theories of well-being, human behaviour, consumerism and environmental impact. This unit includes guest lecturers from industry and academia. The lectures for this unit include interactive activities and group-exercises on a range of concepts related to Ecological Economics. The unit sets the scene for the more detailed and specific units PHYS5032, PHYS5033, and PHYS5034.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Physics Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Fabian Sack, fabian.sack@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Fabian Sack, fabian.sack@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation group assignment Seminar Presentation
Oral presentation
30% Multiple weeks 10 minute presentation
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Critical writing task
Critical writing task
30% Week 07
Due date: 14 Apr 2024 at 23:59
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Written paper
Written paper
40% Week 13
Due date: 26 May 2024 at 23:59
3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.

Distinction

75 - 84

At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.

Credit

65 - 74

At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.

Pass

50 - 64

At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 What is ecological economics? Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Week 02 Key principles of ecological economics Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Broader metrics of sustainability Lecture (1.5 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Growth vs. Development – can we keep on growing? Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 04 Environmental and ecological economics Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO3
Is it overconsumption or overpopulation that’s destroying the environment? Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Ecological systems thinking Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Is there still room for conventional economics in today’s world? Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 06 Ethics and sustainability – why do anything? Lecture (1.5 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Is there a need for us to conserve our natural capital? Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Accounting for (and valuing) climate change Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Will humans be better off in 2050? Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Organisational sustainability analysis tools Lecture (1.5 hr) LO2 LO5
Globalisation and international trade – Is it bad for the environment? Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Equity dimensions of sustainability Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Are there real-world examples of organisations that have used sustainability analysis tools for assessing their performance? Seminar (1 hr) LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 10 Time and discounting, rebound effect Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
If inequality is such an immoral condition, why are we perpetuating it? Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Behavioural responses to environmental problems Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Does the rebound effect undermine our efforts to tackle climate change? Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 The cutting edge of ecological economics and sustainability analysis? MRIO Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
We know we’re unsustainable, yet we fail to adopt sustainable practices, why? Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Field trip to Narara Eco-village Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

 Attendance: Where online tutorials/workshops/virtual laboratories have been scheduled, students should make every effort to attend and participate at the scheduled time. Penalties will not be applied if technical issues, etc. prevent attendance at a specific online class. In that case, students should discuss the problem with the coordinator, and attend another session, if available.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available in the Canvas site for this unit.

Elements of Ecological Economics is a very useful book, and quite succinct (Eriksson and Andersson 2010). 

A comprehensive reference book is recommended for this course. It is encouraged but not essential that you get access to your own copy. Electronic versions are also available. Two good examples with copies available in the Library are:

  • Ecological economics: principles and applications by Herman Daly and Joshua Farley (Daly and Farley 2004). There is a first edition (2004) and a second edition (2010) (Daly and Farley 2010). 
  • Another good book is Ecological Economics: an introduction (Common and Stagl 2005).

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. understand the main principles of ecological economics
  • LO2. be aware of the importance of sustainability analysis for understanding sustainability issues
  • LO3. understand the differences between an ecological economics viewpoint and conventional economics
  • LO4. critically appraise the relevance of EE principles in different practical situations
  • LO5. make sensible connections between contexts, techniques, data, results, meanings and qualitative analysis
  • LO6. argue and write coherently for a particular EE point of view, backed up by analysis and references.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

'No changes have been made since this unit was last offered'

Equity, Access and Diversity statement

The School of Physics recognises that biases, bullying and discrimination, including but not limited to those based on gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and age, continue to impact parts of our community disproportionately. Consequently, the School is strongly committed to taking effective steps to make our environment supportive and inclusive and one that provides equity of access and opportunity for everyone.


The School has Equity Officers as a point of contact for students who may have a query or concern about any issues relating to equity, access and diversity. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, discriminated against, bullied or disadvantaged in any way, you are encouraged to talk to one of the Equity Officers or any member of the Physics staff.


More information can be found at https://sydney.edu.au/science/schools/school-of-physics/equity-access-diversity.html

 

Any student who feels they may need a special accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Disability
Services: https://sydney.edu.au/study/academic-support/disability-support.html who can help arrange support.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

  • No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
  • A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
  • Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
  • In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
  • First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
  • As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.